Words by Smiley Team
An auction house in Brighton has raised over £3,000 to help support rough sleepers in the area.
The pop-up art sale, called Hand on HeART, had work from 20 different artists, with the funds raised going to support the BHT Sussex First Base Day Centre.
The First Base Day Centre supports rough sleepers by providing them with somewhere to shower and clean their clothes, casework support, as well as IT facilities and help applying for work, benefits and training.
“I have been touched by the generosity of the artist community in Brighton & Hove and humbled by the personal stories about homelessness that have come out in the process,” said Alison Boyce, who organised the exhibition. “All who have donated work want to raise money and raise awareness about an issue that can affect anybody at any stage of their life.”
The exhibition took place Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October, and displayed art from 20 different artists, based in Brighton and beyond. The auction, which included pieces priced from £35 to £800, even displayed four pieces by Fiona Watson, the highest-selling print artist in Scotland who has a family link to BHT Sussex.
“We are very grateful that so many artists have shown their support for our work,” said Jo Berry, Head of Business Development at BHT Sussex. “Money raised from the event will enable us to provide food, hot showers, and clean clothes along with essential advice and support for rough sleepers in our city.”
DONATE: Give to BHT Sussex, to help them to support rough sleepers in Brighton.
GET INVOLVED: Volunteer with Shelter in your area, to help support people in your community.
